Results are obtained by exploiting opportunities, not by solving problems. All one can hope to get by solving problems is to restore normalcy.” That’s according to Peter Drucker.
GREAT LEADERS are not content merely to maintain the status quo. They know opportunities are the life-blood of their organizations. Solving a problem contains and prevents damage, but seizing an opportunity produces growth and new life
Leaders as pioneers want to develop an original product line or service, or revolutionize an existing process or turn around a failing business or non-profit. They want to mobilize others in the face of strong inertia or resistance. They may not change the world, but they passionately pursue making a significant difference.
Here Are Ways to Start!
- Forget, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
It may work well, but can it work better? Especially in a new assignment, dumb questions are tolerated. This can lead to uncovering needed improvements and a fresh approach which can result in quantum leaps in organizational effectiveness.
- Question the status quo and confront sacred cows.
Obviously, some standard practices and policies are critical to the organization’s success. But many are simply “The way we’ve always done it”. Leaders, as pioneers, examine how work gets done and asks: “Is there a better way to do it?
- Tap into the wisdom of your people and harvest new ideas.
Many times, the people who have been doing their job for years, have great ideas about more efficient processes, procedures or programs that will serve your customers better. But no one has ever asked them for their opinion.
- Treat every project, big or small, as an opportunity for adventure in an unexplored wilderness.
If leaders want to inspire the best in others, they must find or create opportunities for people to get fired up, tap into their great potential and not be fearful of difficult goals.
Smart Moves Tip
So are you a pioneer? Here are some questions to help you find out.
- What makes something for you new, innovative and worthwhile doing?
- Think of a time when you or a leader you know, challenged the status quo or sacred cows. What happened?
- When have you pushed your own limits to get extraordinary things done? What did you risk? What did you gain?
- In terms of leading others, what are some of the actions you’ve taken to create a climate for change and encourage risk-taking?
Share with others how you are or have been a pioneer! What opportunities did you seize or create for yourself and / or your organization?
My Motto Is:
If you do what you always did, you will get what you always got. Therefore, MOVE outside of your comfort zone; thats where the MAGIC happens.” To bring that magic to your leadership and business, subscribe to Marcias monthly Execubrief: Business Edge Smart Growth Strategies with a insights, inspiration and intelligence on how to build great businesses that matter those that do well and do good.
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Share with others how you are or have been a pioneer! What opportunities did you seize or create for yourself and / or your organization?
In my last job I thought it would be beneficial to new employees to have a big picture of the organization. So I solicited an employee who did videography as a hobby and got executives to talk for 30 to 60 seconds about what their teams were responsible for. Then I took pictures all over the organization. With all that I put together a video with peppy background music, the photos and interspersed the executive interviews. That was definitely not going with the flow. It’s something I wanted to do but it wasn’t my job so I used my own time to do it, except when we recorded videos.
Jane,
great way to orientate a new employee. It’s much more effective in giving the newbie a real sense of what the company is about. Much better than the boring read this manual, sign these papers, here’s your desk, now get to work.